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The story of Bella Grace Vineyards begins with a chance encounter. Charlie and Michael Havill, both deep into corporate careers — she in engineered products, he in life insurance — met legendary winemaker Koerner Rombauer at an industry event. Intrigued by his recommendation to explore Amador County, they drove out to the Shenandoah Valley and fell in love with its rolling hills and sun-drenched vineyards. In 2006, they purchased fifty acres on Upton Road in Plymouth, twenty of which were already planted with wine grapes. Before long, the Havills had “bailed out totally” from their corporate lives and moved their family to the vineyard full-time. The winery’s name honors two beloved grandmothers — a tribute to the family bonds that continue to drive everything they do.
Charlie Havill spearheaded a shift to biodynamic and sustainable farming methods, rehabilitating the vineyard without pesticides or inorganic substances. Today the estate cultivates eight varieties, including Primitivo, Zinfandel, Grenache, Vermentino, Grenache Blanc, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Mourvedre. The centerpiece of the operation is a custom-engineered wine cave, completed in 2011, built into the hillside with twelve-foot-high ceilings designed for barrel aging their oak-aged wines. After initially selling grapes to regional wineries, the Havills established their own production facility and began crafting wines that quickly earned award recognition. Beyond wine, they produce artisan olive oils, vinegars, and specialty salts — products that reflect the same attention to quality that defines their winemaking.
Visitors have two ways to experience Bella Grace. The Plymouth estate on Upton Road offers wine cave tastings surrounded by panoramic vineyard views, available Friday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with reservations available through Tock. The Sutter Creek tasting room at 73 Main Street occupies a charming Victorian house dating to the 1860s, right in the center of historic downtown, open Thursday through Monday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Both locations welcome dogs, and the Plymouth property features picnic areas with outdoor seating. The winery offers wine club memberships in three tiers — a 6-Bottle Club, a 3-Bottle Club, and an Olive Branch Club focused on oils and vinegars — each with access to limited releases, member-only events, and complimentary wine lunches. Keep an eye on their events calendar for the Sounds in the Vineyard concert series and other seasonal gatherings. And do not be surprised if you are greeted by the estate’s beloved winery dogs, Lucy, Jack, and Liam, who serve as the vineyard’s official welcoming committee.
Hours
Plymouth Wine Cave
Fri–Sun 11:00 AM–4:30 PM
Mon–Thu Closed
Sutter Creek Tasting Room
Thu–Mon 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Tue–Wed Closed
Regular
Sun-Thu 11am-5pm, Fri-Sat 11am-6pm
Bella Grace Vineyards’ downtown Sutter Creek tasting room occupies a historic 1860s building on Main Street, offering weekly tasting flights and a warm, walk-in-friendly atmosphere. Open Thursday through Monday, it’s a charming stop for visitors exploring Sutter Creek’s shops and restaurants.
Bella Grace Vineyards offers a unique wine cave experience with panoramic vineyard views in the Shenandoah Valley. The estate hosts wine club events, food and wine pairings in the cave, and the “Sounds in the Vineyard” concert series. Founded in 2006 by Michael and Charlie Havill, the vineyard grows twelve grape varieties with a focus on Rhone varietals, Zinfandel, and Primitivo.
Events at Bella Grace Vineyards.